We are inching towards a two-wheeled urban future with several new electric bikes out there, and we can add the Pi-E to the mix. Electrobike actually offers several powered alternatives to the car, all of which sport the distinct Pi-series arched frame.

The Pi-E is powered by plug-in electric (not my favorite alternative) for local jaunts to the grocery store, park or just a little town cruise. It’s also freeway-legal for those who want to test their courage. All you need to do is add the optional gas engine and you’ve got yourself a little Prius-like hybrid. But beware, it looks like you just strapped on a weedeater engine. And although you can ride it on the highway, I’d feel a lot more comfortable on one of the bigger motorcycles available for about the same price.

“Cool Wheels for a Warmer Planet,” Electrobike’s sound bite, pokes fun at climate change. A sense of humor will be important in helping solve our global problems, but let’s be clear about this bike’s features. Plug-in technology has been around for a long time and hasn’t caught on because it doesn’t solve the energy problem, and the plug-ins aren’t very efficient. And unless we totally rid our cities of cars and trucks, you’re just as safe (maybe safer) pedaling yourself around, requiring zero displaced energy consumption and giving you a bit of much-needed exercise.

And the question remains, how do we move popular conscience away from the dominating passenger-car paradigm?